The 33rd edition of the America's Cup is finally on.
After more than two years of bitter courtroom battles between two of the world's richest men, the two-time defending champion Alinghi and American challenger BMW Oracle Racing of California will begin their best-of-three showdown.
They are to start racing off the coast of Valencia, Spain on Monday, weather-permitting.
BMW Oracle Racing, owned by software tycoon Larry Ellison, will sail the trimaran USA. The Swiss, headed by biotech mogul Ernesto Bertarelli, will counter with Alinghi 5, a catamaran. Both are 90 feet long and capable of sailing at three times the speed of the wind.
The fastest sailing boat ever conceived, ever constructed spent more than a year sailing in sea-trials off the coast of San Diego. Ellison finalized the crew in an announcment near the San Diego Convention Center in August.
In November, the team suffered a minor setback when the mast broke on the boat while it was sailing off the coast of Point Loma.
They'll compete for the oldest trophy in international sports, which boasts a 159-year history.